Economic Development a priority for Hilltops

12/02/2019

Hilltops Council have welcomed Paul Jones to the newly created position of Economic Development Manager. This role was created following Council identifying the need to drive investment into the region and support the sustainability of our local business community.

The key purpose of the role is to facilitate and deliver Economic Development in the Hilltops Local Government Area and ensure that it is easy for all Stakeholders to do business with Council. The role will also address community and business-related issues with Council’s administrative and planning processes/requirements and ensure that road blocks are removed and that stakeholders receive a quality experience and appropriate resolution when dealing with Council. The role is also responsible for driving the strategies within the Hilltops Council’s Economic Development Strategy as part of the Community Strategic Plan.

Paul has a wealth of commercial and business experience gained throughout a career in the financial services industry. Paul is a graduate of Cambridge University where he completed a Master of Economics. He has lived and worked in the UK, France, Switzerland, New Zealand and Sydney and has recently relocated to Young with his wife and young family.

“I have lived in thriving rural areas in the Europe, New Zealand, Indonesia and of course Australia. I have seen how successful development is done across the world and know what it takes to build a thriving rural and business community. Having recently moved to Hilltops with my wife and three small children, I have a vested interest in making the role a success. I have a passion for the area and people and believe this will be evident with the enthusiasm I bring to this role,” said Paul.

Paul’s role will assist in the identification of gaps and complimentary business opportunities that can enhance the economic capability of the Hilltops region and inform State and Commonwealth infrastructure investment and policy. He will also have a key role in improving the promotion of the region through targeted marketing and communications, especially in relation to promoting the region to prospective investors and visitors.

“Regional development has been something that the new Council have been working on since the election. It is a vital position and therefore, we wanted to make sure that the right person was placed in this role” shared Mayor Brian Ingram. “After an extensive search, we are thrilled to have found someone with Pauls credentials; we welcome him and his family to the region and look forward to his contribution to the growth of the Hilltops region” Mayor Ingram concluded.